DEVELOP THE LEADER WITHIN – CONVICTION

Did you know you are a leader?! Yes everyone, you included, is a leader in some capacity or sphere. Be it at home or in your circle or friends or in your business. We are all leaders and we owe it to ourselves and those around us to better ourselves in leadership. This is the passion that has grasped my heart this year, and it is my hope that as you take this journey with us, you will find useful and tangible skills that will grow you as a person and as a leader.

In this first part I will share thoughts from a challenging, yet easy to read book called: H3 Leadership [Be Humble, Stay Hungry, Always Hustle]. One of the things that stood out to me is the concept of becoming a leader of conviction. In the business world in Tanzania, and even in the public service, it is so rare to find such leaders – people who say no to bribery or apathy and laziness in their fields of people. People who give their very best because it is what is right, even when they do not feel like it on that particular Monday morning. So in that vein, allow me to share some brief thoughts from Brad Lomenick’s book, H3 leadership. And it is my hope it will be beneficial in your growth as a leader:

A habit of conviction is essential to becoming a change maker, but it s also the one habit that if ignored will destroy a leader most quickly. Every person of influence will face a moment – or moments – when they will be tempted to compromise their integrity. If the leader chooses wrongly at this critical crossroad, it can tear him down in a whirl wind of fury. A habit of conviction means doing what is right instead of what is easy. And the further you go and the higher you climb in your leadership journey, the harder it gets.

Talent and ability may help you get to the top, but takes takes character and integrity to stay there. The depth of your character will determine the vertical depth and horizontal reach of your influence. The further and faster your influence extends, the deeper your foundation of character and conviction must be. Build who you are offthe stage and behind the stage and beside the stage, way before you start thinking about getting on the stage.

Talent and ability may help you get to the top, but takes takes character and integrity to stay there.

The best leaders are people of integrity and principles who know the difference between principles and preferences. These leaders value their reputation, their consciences and their values. Your private life determines your public legacy. The best leadership moments will probably be the ones that nobody sees. The night before, the meeting afterward, the follow-up phone call, the insignificant work on the back end, that is where the real leadership is built and tested and tried. Work on those moments. A strong leader builds a habit of conviction, knowing that the times when no one is watching are when true character is built.

As you become aware of and live by your convictions, here are a few pointers to keep in mind:

Treat every assignment as if it is your legacy: We often compromise our principles when we feel that the project or task is insignificant. Do it with quality and conviction and principle. Do what is right, instead of settling for the easy. Right takes work.

If you say you will do it – Do it! Even if it costs you. The value of a promise is plummeted in modern society. Don’t contribute to its devaluation. Be a man or woman of your word. Trust is the foundation and bond of credibility. A great reputation means nothing unless you execute and fulfill the latest promise to your customer.

Make sure your character outdistances your competence: Character>Competency. Develop the foundation of your “who” that is drilled deep, and developed way early and long before it’s ever truly needed or compromised. Our integrity, moral compass, discipline and honestly must constantly be advanced.

If you say you will do it – Do it!

Have any other tips on growing in conviction as a leader? Leave us your thoughts below.